Letter: Homes that care for children
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Those of us who are concerned about the welfare and well- being of children in care will be deeply disappointed by the alarmist reporting in your article "Anger as Children's Homes Privatised" (30 June).
Since 1843 the Shaftesbury Homes and Arethusa, one of Britain's oldest children's charities, has been totally committed to providing a sound upbringing for disadvantaged children.
While striving to improve professional standards through the residential childcare field, it believes in the positive aspects of children's homes for certain young people, and, as such, aims to give them all the opportunities to become happy and responsible citizens despite their very deprived and often damaged beginnings.
For over two years the Society has been managing one of Wandsworth's children's homes with great success and the Social Services Inspectorate has reported that "in many ways it has greatly enhanced the lives of the young people living there".
To quote the Children's Society's view that "young people's welfare will be left at the mercy of profit motives" is unfair, irresponsible and bewildering from an organisation which works in the same field. Running children's homes is difficult and demanding work and a good deal of charitable funding must be applied to it if it is to be successful.
Yours faithfully,
Director
n. c. baird-murray
Shaftesbury Homes & Arethusa
London, SW4
5 July
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments